There are always people in need of food, drink, clothes and kindness. There are routinely about 30 families who come to our St. Joseph Community Food Pantry each month seeking help. Families vary in size from 1 to 9. On average, we serve about 100 people every month. We spend about $1,500 a month for food and drink. Donations from parishioners, other churches, civic organizations, individuals and others fund our ministry.
Parishioners are only a portion of the 20-25 regular volunteers, many of whom have been helping for more than 10 years, and some have volunteered month after month for over 25 years. Our volunteers recognize that there is a need not only for food and drink, but also for kindness, laughter and caring. Volunteers give with their heart, as well as, work with their hands.
The purpose of the food pantry is to respond to families and individuals who are residents of Manistee County, are low income and in need of food assistance.
Requirements: Must have proof that you are a Manistee County resident. A picture ID, utility bill, or rent receipt will be acceptable verification. You must be low income based on 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (guidelines are posted in the registration area of the food pantry).
Parishioners are only a portion of the 20-25 regular volunteers, many of whom have been helping for more than 10 years, and some have volunteered month after month for over 25 years. Our volunteers recognize that there is a need not only for food and drink, but also for kindness, laughter and caring. Volunteers give with their heart, as well as, work with their hands.
The purpose of the food pantry is to respond to families and individuals who are residents of Manistee County, are low income and in need of food assistance.
Requirements: Must have proof that you are a Manistee County resident. A picture ID, utility bill, or rent receipt will be acceptable verification. You must be low income based on 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (guidelines are posted in the registration area of the food pantry).
- The St. Joseph Community Food Pantry, Onekama, is open the 4th Friday of each month, from 10:00 - 11:15 AM, and will be open regardless of the weather conditions.
- The Matthew 25:35 Pantry, Manistee, is open the 2nd Friday of each month, from 9:00 - 11:00 AM, and is a drive-through, pick-up service only. Pantry will be closed if the local schools are closed due to weather conditions. If weather permits, the pantry will be open the following day on Saturday.
- You must sign in or show your card to receive food.
- Only one person per household/residence can receive food each month.
- NO SMOKING ON CHURCH PROPERTY (including electronic cigarettes).
- No animals allowed in the building.
- Fraud, unsupervised children or rudeness will not be tolerated.
- You may attend either the St. Joseph Community Food Pantry, Onekama, or the Matthew 25:35 Food Pantry, Manistee, during the month but NOT BOTH DURING THE SAME MONTH. At registration you will receive a “line card” that you must bring with you each time you attend either pantry. The line card is good for both pantries.